A LIGHT CONVERSATION OVER : GINGER ALE

Friends, Helen or Siebra may know if there any the heath benefits--
"I reckon?"

Oh.. yeah Sister Juanita too!

There probably are health benefits but how much ginger do they put in gingerale?

Steve good question...I'll see what I can find out on a web research...

I found this information about drinking or consumption of ginger ale. First: In some studies ginger ale may be linked to cancer of the pancreas, and for persons with diabetes it can cause resistance to natural insulin in the blood. Along with calories, like regular sugary drinks ginger ale can add on the pounds. It was mentioned that it should be an occasional drink unless you work out a bit. Secondly: How much ginger in ginger ale is not disclosed, however the percentage could be very small since the ingredient is listed a natural flavors. Most drink makers are not letting the ginger amount "out of the can" so to speak. So it's a mystery, but details indicate it's not very much at all. Still all things in moderation. So I guess I'll have to break my drinking ginger habit to lowering the taste of it through the day and having an occasional binge! Ha!

Sister Miisrael, ginger is one of the most miraculous and multifunctional herbs known to man. Ginger has many health benefits including alleviating menstrual discomfort.

Below I have listed the top 10 health benefits of ginger:

1. Ginger has carminative properties (anti spasmic) and can be used to calm in upset stomach, providing relief for the relief of bloating and gas.
2. The intake of ginger helps stimulate the secretion of mucus, quieting your cough and soothing any scratchiness I your throat.
3. Ginger has been proven (in multiple studies) to treat feelings of nausea, particularly in the form of seasickness, morning sickness, motion sickness and as a side effect of chemotherapy.
4. Ginger contains anti viral, anti toxic, and anti fungal properties, and is used for the prevention of and treatment against the common cold.
5. Ginger acts as an antihistamine and aids in the treatment of allergies.
6. Ginger displays anti inflammatory properties and can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and various other muscular disorders. The chemical components of the root are instrumental in inhibiting the biosynthesis of prostaglandins which are responsible for causing inflammation. Thus the root has proven to be a highly effective form of treatment, in some cases, even more so than the NSAID's that are traditionally prescribed.
7. Ginger contains special enzymes responsible for catalyzing the proteins in your food, thus aiding in digestion and the prevention of cramps. The ancient Greeks used to eat ginger after a large meal in order to ease the digestion process.
8. Due to its promotion of mucus secretion, ginger protects against the development of ulcers, unwanted holes in the lining of your stomach.
9. Ginger has proven to help lower your cholesterol levels and prevent the formation of blood clots.
10. Ginger is often used to settle an upset stomach or treat severe stomach ailments such as dyspepsia or colic. It is frequently used today in developing countries to treat diarrhea.

I have some ginger root but what's the best way to prepare it?

This is a Natural Old Fashioned Ginger Ale recipe that has been in my home for several years.

Ingredients
A 1-2 inch piece of fresh ginger root, minced. Adjust this to taste. I use 2 inches as I prefer a stronger ginger taste.
½ cup of organic sugar or rapadura sugar. if using plain sugar, add 1 tablespoon molasses for flavor and minerals.
½ cup fresh lemon or lime juice
½ tsp sea salt or himalayan salt
8 cups of filtered (chlorine free) water
½ cup homemade ginger bug (or can use ¼ cup whey for a faster recipe though the flavor won't be quite as good.)

Instructions
1. Make a "wort" for your ginger ale by placing 3 cups of the water, minced ginger root, sugar (and molasses if needed), and salt in a saucepan and bringing to a boil.
2. Simmer the mixture for about five minutes until sugar is dissolved and mixture starts to smell like ginger.
3. Remove from heat and add additional water. This should cool it but if not, allow to cool to room temperature before moving to the next step.
4. Add fresh lemon or lime juice and ginger bug (or whey).
5. Transfer to a 2 quart glass mason jar with a tight fitting (air-tight) lid. Stir well and put lid on.
6. Leave on the counter for 2-3 days until carbonated and transfer to the fridge where it will last indefinitely.
7. Watch this step carefully. Using whey will cause it to ferment more quickly and it will take less time. It should be bubble and should "hiss" like a soda when the lid is removed. This is very temperature dependent and the mixture may need to be burped or stirred during this fermentation time on the counter.
8. As with any traditional fermented drink, it is more of an art than a science as it depends on the strength of your culture, the temperature of your house and the sugar used. The final mixture should smell of ginger and slightly of yeast/fermentation and should be fizzy. Watch carefully that it doesn't become too carbonated as this will cause too much pressure and may result in an exploding jar!
9. The mixture can be strained and transferred to Grolsch style bottles before putting in the fridge.
10. Strain before drinking and enjoy!

@ Sister Juanita: Great information--And also a great recipe
Many thanks from me Sister Juanita for your input! I'm glad you shared this about ginger which is much more than I knew before.

@ Steve: If you try it let me know how it turns out...

You all are quite welcome and good luck with the recipe, before signing off for the day I would also like to offer a few rules of thumb: Because ginger ale contains sweeteners similiar to those found in carbonated soda drinks, I recommend that you consume the drink as a treat (such as once a week) rather than as an everyday drink, as frequent consumption of sugary drinks can lead to the development of insulin resistance disorders such as diabetes. It is also important not to consume this drink while you are dehydrated, because this can lead to more dehydration. The best solution (cure) for dehydration is to drink plenty of water, tea, or fresh (100%) juice. As always, you are free to email me for any additional health questions you may have.

Miisrael, I aways drink the diet ginger ale since I am diabetic. People tell me aspartame is not good which may be true but I know sugar isn't good. My favorite ginger ale is Vernors, made in Detroit where I was born. It was one of the treats I always looked forward to when we visited my grandmother, after we had moved to PA. I'm not sure if you can find it where you are but if you cand you should give it a try.

Thanks for the recipe Sister Juanita. Does the sugar all get used up in the fermenting process? When I was around 14 I made some birch beer, since we had the silver birch that is used for the flavor. I know about those bursting bottles.

Steve, yes I believe so...I check the shelves next time I'm at the grocer.
And Sister Juanita...I didn't have as much today..I drank more water.
I just love light conversations...I enjoy this in a full glass...
Bless you both.